Former Test wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist spoke about the Tasmanian's chances of making the home Ashes series on Mornings with Matt White on SEN.

READ MORE: Froling signs on for Tornadoes

"Definitely thinks he's going to be good to go, obviously we can take him at his word but I caught up with Justin Langer the other day ... he's very confident that Painey is going to be fine," he said.

"By all accounts it's been successful and the road to recovery can begin but it sounds like quite an extraordinary procedure."

Gilchrist said that the possibility of Sheffield Shield cricket getting underway before the Ashes series would benefit Paine.

"From a keeping point of view the only time I felt a bit stiff and sore in the neck was coming back into a season when you had an extended break," he said

"Obviously that will be an issue for Painey but if he's going to have, if the shield season gets up and running the way we want it to, a couple of games leading into the Test match."

READ MORE: Kai Woodfall secures top basketball honour

Last week, Paine confirmed the surgery to repair the nerve injury had been successful and would likely have him fit to take on England later this year.

The Ashes series could be an emotional one for Paine with speculation about whether this tour will be his last although the captain has said he hopes to extend his stay.

Gilchrist tipped rising star Josh Inglis or Alex Carey to join the Test side when the Tasmanian veteran eventually pulls up stumps for Australia.

"[Josh] Inglis or [Alex] Carey are the two clear names there ... there's a bit to go on between now and there's possibly some shield cricket to be played, Josh Inglis will be over with [World Cup] T20 squad so he's going to miss a bit of that," he said.

"If they were picking it today, I suspect, and I don't know anything, they might say Alex Carey is someone we know has performed in international cricket, he's a bit more [bankable] but by December Inglis might have nudged his way in front.

"Either way they go if they had to make a choice, I don't think they'd lose too much because they're two outstanding cricketers."

Do you know someone who is contributing to Northern Tasmanian sport, whether through participating or assisting?

The Examiner's Junior Sports Awards, sponsored by Woolworths, provide acknowledgement of accomplishments by players, coaches, volunteers, teams and clubs across the region.

Nominations are open from Wednesday, April 14, and will close at midnight on October 4.

Entries must include a photograph of the entrant.